Back to School is here!

Getting Ready for Back to School

Washington County Kids partners are getting ready for a busy year, serving kids and families throughout the county with academic, enrichment, and recreation-based opportunities. We know how critically important it is for families to have reliable care and youth to be authentically engaged in positive, enriching experiences outside of school. We hope that you are able to find the right fit for you and your student(s). Here are a few details about getting connected with afterschool opportunities in your community:

Cornelius/Hillsboro

Centro Cultural In First Lego League students learn how to build and code a Lego robot to complete challenges. First Lego League (FLL) is for grades 5-8 on Wednesdays 6:30-8pm & Saturdays 9:30am-12:30pm. The Cost is $40 for the season starting August 24th. First Lego League Jr (FLL Jr) is for grades 1st-4th on Saturdays 9:30am-12: 30 pm and costs $40 for the season.

Ballet Folklorico is a traditional Mexican dance for ages 6-8 starting August 26th. Classes will be held Mondays from 4-5 pm, the cost is $40 for the season. You can sign up at Centro (1110 N Adair St Cornelius, OR 97113) by picking up an application or you can email Lindsay Garcia at lgarcia@centrocultural.org to get a PDF version.

Forest Grove 

Their 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant is serving 5th & 6th grade students at Tom McCall Upper Elementary and Echo Shaw Elementary School. Students have access to 23 Clubs and 5 Classes offered from 2:15-5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday at no cost to our students/families. Find a full list of Clubs/Classes offered HERE. The initial deadline is September 20 but as space becomes available, families can continue to register students.

Hillsboro

Inukai Family Boys and Girls Club is open Monday through Friday, 2:15-7 pm for 1st-6th grade and 3:30-7 pm for 7th-12th grade students. Inukai members can get bus transportation from any school in the Hillsboro School District, parents must just fill out the transportation paperwork online or at the Club. School Year Registrations opened August 15th, if spots fill up, families can be put on the waitlist. Programs happen at Inukai Club, 560 SE 3rd Ave Hillsboro, OR 97123. Please call 503-640-4558 for details on cost or check online for other registration information: https://bgcportland.org/inukai/

SW Washington County

Creativity HQ 

A new out of school enrichment program for 3rd-5th-grade students designed to develop the skills that support creative and critical thinking while introducing kids to different forms of art. Fun games and interdisciplinary arts activities invite students to explore, imagine, and create. At Creativity HQ kids will Imagine It, Make It, Play It, Write It, and Perform It. Customized programs are available for schools and community groups upon request. 

SW Portland locations currently open for registration: Two-hour classes offered on Tuesdays in Garden Home Recreation Center (7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223) and on Thursdays at Tigard Grange (13770 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard, OR 97223. Space is limited. Register by September 1st to guarantee a spot. Cost varies by location and ranges from $13.50-$15 per instruction hour. Customized programs are available to schools and community groups upon request. https://Creativity-hq.com  info@creativity-hq.com  503-992-6414

Countywide

Saturday Academy

Would the students at your school like to have community experts share their knowledge through hands-on, project-based classes? Saturday Academy’s SA2U program offers on-site classes for students in grades 2 – 8  and are available before and after school, Monday through Friday. Classes serve up to twelve students and typically meet one day per week for one and a half hours per session. Classes can be purchased by parents and schools.

To schedule a class, simply look through the 2019/2020 SA2U catalog and determine which STEM/STEAM class(es) you would like for your school during the fall term. Then complete the online registration form. You can request just a fall class or the entire year’s classes at the same time. Be sure to submit your class request as soon as possible! Fall class registration & requests opened August 15th. To register, go to www.saturdayacademy.org/catalog.

YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Before and Afterschool Enrichment 

Brookwood Elementary School, Farmington View Elementary School,  Lenox Elementary School, Quatama Elementary School, & West Union Elementary School enrichment programs are currently accepting new participant applications until full. Cost varies based on provider package options,(days per week, etc)  Package options and prices can be viewed HERE or found at www.ymcacw.org.

Don’t see what you are looking for? You can find more programs on our website or this list of programs to connect you with what you might be looking for. 

Math Gamers

A unique math enrichment program, using original hands-on games (board, dice, logic) to engage students in a fun way! Each week, students learn a new game, the goals of which are matched to common cores. Learning is presented in a relaxing, interactive manner of gameplay, so students have fun while refining and applying embedded math concepts!

Over each 6-week session, students also create at least one “math art” project that utilizes geometry, symmetry, or patterns! Special note* If we have 10 students signed up, Math Gamers can offer one full or two half scholarships, primarily based on need. Find out more at https://www.mathgamers.net/programs---rates.html

Looking for A Volunteer Opportunity?

Chess for Success

Chess for Success runs afterschool chess clubs and tournaments. We have several clubs in Washington County and are looking for volunteers to work with the kids in the club. Any interested volunteers can contact Kristen Fitzpatrick, Talent and Outreach Director at kristen@chessforsuccess.org. Final location(s) of this year’s clubs are still TBD. As volunteers are recruited, clubs will be advertised and outreach will be done through schools and program partners. They are always accepting applications for clubs and tournaments or you can find out more at https://www.chessforsuccess.org.

Volunteer one hour a week with SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) to read with children in our community!

• Inspire a love of reading and books

• Read one-on-one with PreK – second graders

• SMART students receive books for their home collection

• Training and support provided!

Where: Many schools in Washington County are currently recruiting new readers.  Please visit our website for more information and our volunteer application: www.getsmartoregon.org/volunteer

When: Programs run during school hours—October 2019 - May 2020.  Time commitment varies but is generally one hour per week